Morning Recap: INEC ends voter registration today, five state to adopt security outfits as state police, and other top stories

Five Nigerian state governments are signaling their intent to transition their existing security outfits into formal state police forces. This move is contingent upon the completion of the necessary constitutional framework that will establish the new policing system across the country. The states reportedly considering this transition include Ondo, Kaduna, Anambra, Zamfara, and Abia.

In parallel, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to conclude its Continuous Voter Registration exercise today. This decision comes despite persistent calls from opposition parties and civil society groups advocating for an extension. INEC has urged all eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered to utilize the remaining hours before the registration window officially closes.

In security developments, the Nigerian Army announced a significant breakthrough in its counter-insurgency operations in the North-East. A senior finance operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State, accompanied by two male children. This surrender is seen as a major success, following a recent trend of dozens of terrorists and their family members laying down their arms.

In sports news, British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua made a strong comeback, securing a knockout victory against Kristian Prenga. Joshua overcame an early setback, surviving two knockdowns in the first round before forcing a stoppage in the second round.

Additionally, Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo has alleged theft occurred at the team's hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, where they were camping for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Okoronkwo claims $700 was stolen from her wallet, and she stated that some teammates also reported similar losses.